Hikes in January, February, March.

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'm curious, which of 3 of the above hiking options would you be most interested in for either January or February? I need to get a bunch of hiking and waterfall photography done before May, so I'll be eager to put together hiking excursions all winter and spring, and I'm curious to know what would get the best response.

I've put dayhike v. overnight options on locations where the hike isn't too long for a dayhike, but long enough that an overnight might be desired. I've left out some great places for later hiking, and most of the places I've picked are best hiked without leaves, because either the trails are nebulous (like Nubbin Creek), or there is no trail (like Eagle Creek).

If you need more information about a specific option, let me know. A quick glance at the briartech map site should bring up maps including most areas. link At this point details aren't even in my head, I'm just looking at general locations where there is something for me to photograph that might make nice group hikes.

[Cuffs]

Why the emphasis on Sipsey?  What about Blue Trail, Chinnabee Silent Trail, Flagg Mtn Trail, Cave Creek Trail, Cane Creek Canyon?

[Joshua Szulecki]

Cuffs,

Mostly because my primary motivation for hiking is photography, and most of the places I've listed have waterfalls that are are easier to visit or flow significantly better in winter. My website should indicate my interests.

As I indicated in my post, I need to squeeze in some waterfall photography in the next few months. I posted to see which hikes people would be interested in joining. I find Sipsey enthralling, whereas I'm not as interested in the areas around Talladega NF as much.  Been there a lot. Plus, I've hiked the Chinnabee in winter twice, and got stuck in mud twice. This year being so dry, that might not be an issue.

I should also note that these are locations that I personally would prefer not to hike solo. Some of them are remote, some are bushwhacks, and others are areas that people commonly have trouble finding the trailhead.

I have never been to Cane Creek Canyon, so directions and information would be welcome.

[Suz]

I can't remember if I voted, but hands down it would be overnight to Parker Falls.  Second, would be overnight to South Caney Creek.  Last time I went to Parker falls was within a month of Ivan.  Getting to the falls was okay, but we didn't go back the way we came in and hit EXTREME tree fall and the densest pine forest I've ever been in.  I haven't been since but a friend took a great photo that is my screensaver.  I'll try to post it.   Same story with South Caney, some tree fall to get around, but not too extreme.  Both are some of the most serene places I've been to.  Both low pressure, off the beaten path.

suzglass

[Cuffs]

Hey Josh!  Didnt realize that was you!  Youve got a couple of my pics on your pages.  You about done with school?  When are you leaving the area? 

I was at The Big Tree yesterday, you could hear the water drops of what used to be falls, but they were so far apart, theres no way to photo them!

Cane Creek Preserve is on private land, but the owners (Lacefields) do allow public access and camping as long as you contact them before hand.

I have that info, send me an email if you want further info.

[Joshua Szulecki]

suzglass,

I've been trying to visit Parker Falls since I found out about Sipsey. Unfortunately, I've been having some trouble planning overnights, and Parker Canyon is really a location that I feel merits an overnight. I certainly would never visit that location alone, after what happened to me on my two solo bushwhacks along Eagle Creek. I learned my lesson about hiking off of marked trails alone. The first time I stopped at Eagle Falls because I wasn't wearing a coat (yankee in Alabama in October), and then got lost trying to take a shortcut to avoid the deadfall in the drainage, which was stupid, stupid, stupid... The second time I got mildly hurt several times (ankle, butt, hands, other ankle), AND broke my camera tripod before I finally turned around at the top of Eagle Falls. As for the dense pine forest at Parker, I was told that was a pine plantation, and that I should avoid going off the beaten path in it, as it is very easy to get lost in.

Upper Caney Creek Falls is #1 on my list in Alabama. It was the first waterfall I visited in Bankhead, and I still love it, even with the tree in it.

Cuffs,

I left you a PM.